Highlights of Northern Tanzania

Welcome to Tanzania. After landing at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be greeted by your guide in the arrivals hall. Together you will walk to your transfer vehicle and drive to your first accommodation, the Blues & Chutney Country B&B. This small, charming country house is nestled in the slopes of Mount Meru and surrounded by lush nature. It is the ideal starting point to experience Tanzania's rich wildlife diversity up close on exciting safaris. Wind down in the evening and recover from your journey. Look forward to the next few days, which will be full of great moments and unique encounters.

Best time to travel: The dry months take place from December to March (hotter weather) and from June to October (where you will find more pleasant temperatures). You can also travel in April, May and November. The longer rainy season takes place from the middle or the end of March until the end of May. The shorter rainy season takes place from the middle or the end of October until early December.

1 night at the Blues & Chutney Country B&B with breakfast and dinner in standard room, Arusha, Tanzania.

Getting up early today will be worth it. Your safari begins with a drive to Tarangire National Park, a refuge for large herds of elephant and wildebeest. Surrounded by majestic baobab trees, the year-round, water-bearing Tarangire River, which is also the only source of water in the region, attracts countless wild animals. Zebras, giraffes, ostriches, jackals and antelopes can be found on both sides of the river in the grasslands and in the open tree savannah. But leopards can also be seen in the trees. Can you see the pride of lions in the shade of the ancient baobab trees? Small lion cubs curiously roam around while lionesses recover from the hunt.

Drive: 150 km / approx. 2,5 hours (without animal observations)

1 night at the Sangaiwe Tented Lodge with breakfast, lunch, dinner and safari activities included in the lodge room, Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

It’s a good morning indeed in the African bush! After a hearty breakfast at your lodge, you will leave the Tarangire National Park and drive through the Masai Steppe to Lake Manyara, a game reserve named after its lake. It is a place known for its diverse habitats: Swamps, forests, open grasslands and hot springs provide optimal living conditions for flamingos, pelicans, hippos and giraffes. In addition to elephants, numerous species of monkeys, zebras and tree climbing lions call the Lake Manyara National Park home.

In addition, Lake Manyara National Park is a true paradise for bird lovers. Depending on the season, you can observe huge white and yellow-billed stork colonies at the great rift valley lake.

Along with your guide, you will go on an exciting game drive and that will allow you to experience Africa's rich wildlife up close.

Drive: 115 km / approx. 1 hour (without wildlife viewing)

1 night at the Rift Valley Photographic Lodge with breakfast, lunch, dinner and safari activities included in a chalet, Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania

Today holds more surprises for you! Before you dive into the breathtaking Serengeti today, you will first drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and make a short stop at the memorial and gravestone of Germany's most famous conservationist, Prof. Dr. Bernhard Grzimek, who produced the German documentary "Die Serengeti darf nicht sterben" (“The Serengeti must not die”).

Then you will head north to the Serengeti. You will drive along the Olduvai Valley until you reach the actual park entrance, the Naabi Hill Park Gate. Huge granite rocks, called kopjes, definethe picturesque landscape. If you feel like it, you can take a short walk through the large rock formations here.

But what is actually special about the Serengeti National Park? In Tanzania's most famous national park, an impressive natural spectacle takes place every year: the Great Migration. Between April and May, over a million wildebeest, 200,000 zebra and 300,000 gazelles, followed by hungry big cats, set off from the endless plains in the south to the hills in the north to Kenya's Masai Mara, where they stay until the end of the dry season. Between October and November, the animals return to the south and the cycle begins again.

After lunch, embark on your first game drive through the extensive game reserve. You can look forward to a great variety of animals. Besides countless ungulates, jackals, antelopes, buffalos, hyenas, elephants, lions and leopards live here. You can experience all these animals up close during exciting safaris.

Time spent traveling: 240 km / approx. 4 hours (without game viewing)

3 nights at the Thorntree Camp with breakfast, lunch, dinner and safari activities included in a tent, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Charge your camera for today. You will start with a morning game drive - watch nature slowly come to life and the nocturnal animals return from their night hunt.

Afterwards, drive to the Seronera Visitor Center, where you will be served a delicious breakfast. Enjoy this brief respite - another unforgettable game drive through the Serengeti awaits you later in the day.

Please note that there may be a change of location depending on the time of year and the migration of the wildlife.

After three eventful days in the Serengeti National Park, you will return to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area today for a fascinating game drive at the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater.

The Ngorongoro Crater is not only an absolute must-see for any Tanzania visitor, but also the ideal area to observe the legendary Big Five in their natural habitat. Since few animals leave the 600 meter deep crater, almost all of East Africa's wildlife is represented here. Throughout the year, you will see a large number of elephants, zebras, wildebeests, antelopes, buffalos and with a little luck, leopards or one of the rare black rhinos. In addition, the Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most densely populated lion areas in Africa. Over 100 lions dominate this area. Great photos of pink flamingos and numerous hippos can be taken at Lake Magadi, which is located in the middle of the crater.

Time spent traveling: 200 km / approx. 3 hours (without wildlife viewing)

1 night at the Bougainvillea Safari Lodge or Country Lodge with breakfast, lunch, dinner and safari activities in a cottage, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Today begins with a journey back in time. After breakfast at your lodge, you will drive over an adventurous mogul road to Lake Eyasi, the home of the Hadzabe bushmen and the Datoga herders. Here you will dive into a whole new world: You will get to know the daily life of the Datoga shepherds and get an insight into the traditional construction method using wood and clay. You will also learn that beaded animal skins are part of their lifestyle. Afterwards, you will visit a typical iron smith who makes arrowheads and other weapons.

Time spent traveling: 24 km / approx. 2 - 2.5 hours

1 night at the Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge with breakfast, lunch, dinner and activities in a standard room, Lake Eyasi, Tanzania

Before you leave for Arusha today, you will take part in an unforgettable experience. You will go on a hunting and gathering train early in the morning with the Hadzabe Bushmen. While there, you will learn about the small indigenous tribe that still sustains itself by hunting birds, monkeys and other wildlife, as well as gathering berries and roots.

You will return to your lodge for lunch and then drive to Arusha.

Time spent traveling: 196 km / approx. 3.5 hours

1 night at the Blues & Chutney Country B&B with breakfast, lunch and dinner included in a standard room, Arusha, Tanzania.

Today is the last day of your trip. You will pack your bags after breakfast and your guide will take you to the Kilimanjaro airport, where you will board your flight back home. We hope you had an unforgettable trip full of unique moments that will stay in your memory for a long time. We are also happy to organize a beach extension in another region or on the dream beaches of Zanzibar or Pemba Island. Just contact us!

Blues & Chutney Country B&B, Arusha, Tanzania (2 nights)

This small, charming country house is perfectly situated amidst lush nature, on the slopes of Mount Meru. You will stay in one of the six individually decorated rooms, all of which have luxurious amenities. Of course, you will have free internet in all rooms. Relax in the beautifully landscaped garden and let the attentive staff pamper you. The homemade breakfast made from local ingredients is especially recommended.

Sangaiwe Tented Lodge, Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (1 night)

Sangaiwe Tented Lodge is the ideal base from which to explore the biodiverse Tarangire National Park or relax after an exciting safari. The lodge has only eight tents, which are made of wood, thatch and canvas. All tents offer en-suite bathrooms, a dressing area and a desk. From your private veranda, with a glass of wine in hand, you'll enjoy gorgeous views of Lake Burungi and/or the Greta Rift Valley. Good food is a priority at Sangaiwe Tented Lodge. Breakfast includes tropical seasonal fruits, pancakes, muffins and freshly squeezed juices.

Rift Valley Photographic Lodge, Lake Manyara, Tanzania (1 night)

With the best views of Lake Manyara, spend unforgettable moments at the Rift Valley Photographic Lodge. Set up like a small, traditional Masai village, the lodge is located on a hill in the Rift Valley. The 15 separate chalets promise absolute privacy and have their own veranda and private bathroom. The outdoor pool offers fantastic views over the endless savannah. It is the perfect place to cool down after an extensive game drive. Other facilities include a lounge, restaurant and bar.

Thorntree Camp, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (3 nights)

Located about 20 minutes from Seronera Airstrip, this camp is open all year round. Look forward to 10 tents, built with a solid construction and convincing with a private bathroom and a private veranda overlooking the nature. Elephants, leopards and even lions can be seen walking by if you're lucky. Other amenities include a closet, desk, chairs, and complimentary bottled water. The camp is powered by solar energy and delicious meals are served in the dining room. At the campfire, you can reflect on the day under the starry African sky.

Bougainvillea Safari Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania (1 night)

From the Bougainvillea Safari Lodge in Karatau you can easily reach the Ngorongoro Crater, where you will take part in great safari adventures. Look forward to 24 fully equipped cottages that leave nothing to be desired. The outdoor pool in the spacious garden is the perfect way to cool off after an exciting adventure in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. In the in-house restaurant, you can taste typical African specialties, personally prepared by the chef Reggie Bayo.

Country Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania (1 night)

Between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater, Country Lodge awaits you on the outskirts of Karatu in a verdant garden. Each of the 22 rooms features a private bathroom, a fireplace and four-poster beds with mosquito nets. The private veranda with seating invites you to linger. In the main building, you'll find a lounge and dining area that tempts you with local dishes and homegrown fruits and vegetables.

Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge, Lake Eyasi, Tanzania (1 night)

Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge beckons with fascinating views over the eponymous lake. The 14 rooms are furnished with attention to detail and offer a minibar, a flat-screen TV with satellite, and a free-standing bathtub. In the main building, you'll find a shared kitchen, free Internet and several computers. Relax by the spacious outdoor pool, which has been perfectly integrated into the beautiful garden, and soak up the unique flair.

Duration of the trip: 10 days / 9 nights

Included

• 9 nights in lodges and hotels according to the program
• Meals according to program
• Coffee / tea with lunch packages
• All airport transfers
• Transport during the safaris in a four-wheel drive vehicle (Landcruiser or Landrover) with elevating roof
• Experienced, English-speaking guide
• All entrance fees
• 8 days private safari as per program
• 2 liters of water per person / day on safari
• Flying Doctors Insurance (first aid, rescue flights; hospital costs excluded)

Not included

• International flights
• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the scope of services
• Optional excursions
• Personal expenses, such as minibar and tips
• Insurances

Services & Notes

Effective as of 01/06/2019, the use of single-use plastic bags will be banned and criminalized in Tanzania. The ban will also apply to arriving passengers at airports and land borders, both for common duty-free bags, as well as plastic bags in hand or checked baggage.

Expect strict controls on hand and checked baggage as you ente the country. Ziplock bags, which are used primarily for carried cosmetics, are also subject to this ban. We recommend transparent bags, e.g. with zipper, which are clearly not 'disposable items', designed for longer use. The use of plastic bags for shopping in the country is also prohibited.